Home additions in Waltham, MA

Waltham rules that apply

What Waltham requires for home additions.

1. 1

   Owner signs every permit

   Waltham's Building Department needs the property owner's signature on the application, and building permits are not accepted by mail except for roofing, insulation and replacement windows.

   Source: City of Waltham: Building Department

2. 2

   One ADU by right

   Waltham allows one accessory dwelling unit by right as an accessory use to a home in single-family districts, between 450 square feet and the smaller of 900 square feet or half the main home's floor area. It must meet the district's setbacks, height and lot coverage, have its own entrance, and cannot be a short-term rental; a second ADU needs a City Council special permit.

   Source: Waltham Zoning Code, Sec. 3.2 Definition of uses (3.23 ADUs)

3. 3

   State wetlands rules only

   Waltham has no local wetlands bylaw, so the Conservation Commission applies the state Wetlands Protection Act: work within 100 feet of a wetland or 200 feet of a river or perennial stream likely needs a filing, either a Request for Determination or a Notice of Intent.

   Source: Waltham Conservation Commission: Conservation Permit FAQ

4. 4

   Stretch energy code

   The state's adoption list shows Waltham on the Stretch Energy Code since July 2012 and not on the Specialized Code. New homes and large additions follow the stretch requirements.

   Source: Mass. DOER: Building Energy Code Adoption by Municipality